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WHAT HISTORIANS TELL US ABOUT MARY MAGDALENE

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we discover a secret weapon of humpback whales, the real Mary Magdalene, the surging and simple military-based exercise … and how the dog became our best friend. Plus, where did you get your zodiac sign?

A painted representation of Mary Magdalene

PHOTOGRAPH VIA BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

She’s one of the most recognized figures in the Bible—and perhaps the most understood.

That may be why scholars just cannot quit chasing down the truth about Mary Magdalene. What archaeological evidence do scholars have about her life and world?

SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

Related: Is this the face of Mary Magdalene?
Also: These 12 men shaped the face of Christianity—but did they really exist?

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

This is found most frequently on the Taketomi, Hatoma, and Iriomote islands of Japan.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK THIESSEN

We know what it looks like: But this, found only in Japan, is not a starfish. You tell us: What is it?

A. Skeletons
B. Sand
C. Rocks
D. Coral
E. A and B

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER

HOW THIS PET BECAME OUR BEST FRIEND

The ancient image of a man leading a dog

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD BARNES

How did wolves evolve into dogs? DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating, and advanced measuring techniques are helping scientists learn where dogs came from and when they became our best friends. (Above, a picture on an ancient sarcophagus shows a man leading his dog).

SIT, FIDO, SIT!

Related: Do pets really make people healthier and happier?

These humpback whales off Antarctica are creating rings of bubbles to corral prey

PHOTOGRAPH BY WHALE RESEARCH SOLUTIONS

Humpback whales (above) have a hunting superpower—bubbles

Strenuous exercise—like rowing—is hugely beneficial to your health

Fitness experts swear by this simple military-inspired exercise

Dragons weren’t always feared. Then they became the monster of the Middle Ages

Christianity was struggling to grow—until this skeptic became a believer

UTIs are rising fast—and the cause may be in your refrigerator

The forgotten story of cats in the navy

The 7 best birdbaths for your home or garden

PAID CONTENT FOR THE MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL GEORGE

The mystic side of Maine is found in fairies and desert sands

Take a surprising journey with National Geographic Photographer Michael George to the lesser-known corners of Casco Bay. Uncover the small-town spirit that comes alive in quirky and unexpected ways throughout the region.

A depiction of a horoscope on April 25, 1384.

PHOTOGRAPH BY WERNER FORMAN, UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP/GETTY IMAGES

It really is in the stars: What are the ancient origins of the zodiac signs? And what makes those 12-star signs special? And how does that translate into 7,000 celestial omens?

We asked, you answered: The vast majority of scores of respondents to our query about the new COVID vaccines said they were going to get them—many of them as soon as possible. One couple said they've been early birds for past boosters, and another couple said the boosters kept them away from all but one COVID case, which was mild. Another wanted guidance on the best time of year for future boosters. Read more about the new vaccines here.

Today’s soundtrack: Nothing Can Be Done, La Marisoul and Los Lobos

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and Nancy San Martín. Let us know if you have a suggestion for a story — or a song of the day!

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